Numerology is an ancient art, almost as old as the written word. That we used numbers in some form before we ever put ink or dye to scroll may be very significant.
I have felt very compelled to do such esoteric research on Del Castillo for awhile now, and think I am starting to get a feel for their what and why. I have only recently collected nearly all their birthdates, so the individual reports will take a little longer. It is the combination of them all that fascinates me. When the name Del Castillo is added up through the Pythagorean method, it comes to a 4 on its own. Four is a responsible, practical number: hard working, finding order in chaos, at times perhaps a bit too rigid, even a tad melancholy. I however believe the band to be more than merely a name, so I have added up the members' names and added them to the band name. This becomes a seven.
7 is one of the sacred numbers. It is joined by its brothers 9,11, 13, and 22.
Seven is everywhere in our world: the seven colours of the rainbow, the 7 'c's of the music scale, the 7 chakras, the energy vortices that guide the lifeforce in each of us, the seven sacraments, virtues, and deadly sins. It holds something in our collective thought, and there is good reason.
7 is the number of spirituality. The mystic, the scholar, the philosopher find home in this number, starting to climb the path to enlightenment.
7 is also the number of the eccentric, s/he who lives life from a different perspective, not being willing to be limited to the mundane or predictable. The down side to the number is a tendency toward isolation, being pessimistic and sometimes a bit secretive.
Anyone who has seen this band live or been touched by their music will probably see the correlations to the number swiftly. I was personally not at all surprised. It confirmed what I already felt about these guys: the sum of the parts is not equal to the whole. They are meant to be together and what they can accomplish as a group will go far beyond what any might do alone . Some part of me hates the idea of them going out into the world, because that means I might lose touch with them, or they with those of us they started out with. We have been blessed with being so close to them that even knowing that what they bring to the world must be allowed to be heard by all who will listen does not ease the discomfort of the separation.
I see in these numbers proof that they will keep their feet on the ground, which also means they will come home.
So far in my calculations of each individual in the band, there has been a striking predominance of the sacred numbers, especially eleven and seven. When I feel I have gone far enough in, I will put some of it here, though not all. There is a certain level of privacy to be respected, and I can say whole heartedly that if nothing else, I respect this group.
more later, and in the meantime, Happy Blue Moon!
Saturday, July 31, 2004
Sunday, July 25, 2004
It seems a dream from here.
Wow.
I have to say it again.
WOW.
I drove to Houston today to take my cousin Brian and his wife Jill out to see this band o' bands I keep expounding on. I thought I had seen Del Castillo at their best. They proved there are always new avenues to explore, even when one of them isn't feeling well. I had the momentary thought during the performance that perhaps it is truimph over, or through, adversity. I remember a night at Antone's in Austin many months back where one of them was under the weather and the show just soared then too. As great as that one was ( I call it Rick's two foot night- the only time I have seen him get both feet off the ground during a solo!) this one made it pale so far I do not think I can make anything I put down here come even close. My fairly sedate cousins were blown away. They had been impressed by the CDs and I suspect that, like myself, they will now feel that, as good as the recordings are, they just will not compare to the power of this band live. Brian told me as they went home to let their 6 month old puppy out that anytime DC plays in Houston or within a two hundred mile radius, they will do what they can to be there. See?! It isn't just me!! ;)
Emphasis cannot be made strongly enough that, should they come anywhere near your town, you should go see this band live. They can pull almost any group of people into their music. It is just amazing to watch, which I got to do for about half the set tonight. I was standing up on the balcony with mes cousins and all these people who had come to see the ska band due to go on after DC were dancing and just mesmerized by what was going on up there. Those of us who are fanatics and go silly distances to bask in the celebration of life and love and music with this group understand the draw. It is so positive, so vital, so intense that it is more addictive than any drug known to man. They are an astounding vessel for true connected-ness to God that most people search for all their lives, and they do it without preaching or trying to convert anyone to any way of thought. It comes down to Namaste.
I will explain: the word "namaste" is a greeting used in Tibet and parts of India. To an outsider it may seem like an aloha sort of thing, meaning may things and used casually, but that is not the case. Author Leo Buscalia once defined the word, so that his audience would understand his beginning and ending his appearances with it. His definition was this:
I honour that place in you wherein meets Heaven and Earth. I honour that place in you wherein lies your peace, your hope, your love, your uniqueness. I honour that place in you where, if you are there, and I am there, there is only one of us.
Namaste.
Place the palms of the hands together (connection to the One), directly in front of the face (equality of all things), and speak it from the heart.
Pretty neat, eh?
I always liked Leo. A happy soul. And so are the guys in DC. I carry their joyfullness with me all the time now. It makes me smile at odd moments, often when things seem to be at their worst.
May you get to experience it too.
Hmm......the sun is rising. I drove all the way home again tonight. Now the Cocteau Twins lullaby me to slumber. I will go to sleep with strains of Rio Mysticos sliding around in my head.
And dream of the next time I will get to celebrate with Del Castillo.
Take care of yourselves, my brothers. Spread the word to the world, but come home safe and sound.
I have to say it again.
WOW.
I drove to Houston today to take my cousin Brian and his wife Jill out to see this band o' bands I keep expounding on. I thought I had seen Del Castillo at their best. They proved there are always new avenues to explore, even when one of them isn't feeling well. I had the momentary thought during the performance that perhaps it is truimph over, or through, adversity. I remember a night at Antone's in Austin many months back where one of them was under the weather and the show just soared then too. As great as that one was ( I call it Rick's two foot night- the only time I have seen him get both feet off the ground during a solo!) this one made it pale so far I do not think I can make anything I put down here come even close. My fairly sedate cousins were blown away. They had been impressed by the CDs and I suspect that, like myself, they will now feel that, as good as the recordings are, they just will not compare to the power of this band live. Brian told me as they went home to let their 6 month old puppy out that anytime DC plays in Houston or within a two hundred mile radius, they will do what they can to be there. See?! It isn't just me!! ;)
Emphasis cannot be made strongly enough that, should they come anywhere near your town, you should go see this band live. They can pull almost any group of people into their music. It is just amazing to watch, which I got to do for about half the set tonight. I was standing up on the balcony with mes cousins and all these people who had come to see the ska band due to go on after DC were dancing and just mesmerized by what was going on up there. Those of us who are fanatics and go silly distances to bask in the celebration of life and love and music with this group understand the draw. It is so positive, so vital, so intense that it is more addictive than any drug known to man. They are an astounding vessel for true connected-ness to God that most people search for all their lives, and they do it without preaching or trying to convert anyone to any way of thought. It comes down to Namaste.
I will explain: the word "namaste" is a greeting used in Tibet and parts of India. To an outsider it may seem like an aloha sort of thing, meaning may things and used casually, but that is not the case. Author Leo Buscalia once defined the word, so that his audience would understand his beginning and ending his appearances with it. His definition was this:
I honour that place in you wherein meets Heaven and Earth. I honour that place in you wherein lies your peace, your hope, your love, your uniqueness. I honour that place in you where, if you are there, and I am there, there is only one of us.
Namaste.
Place the palms of the hands together (connection to the One), directly in front of the face (equality of all things), and speak it from the heart.
Pretty neat, eh?
I always liked Leo. A happy soul. And so are the guys in DC. I carry their joyfullness with me all the time now. It makes me smile at odd moments, often when things seem to be at their worst.
May you get to experience it too.
Hmm......the sun is rising. I drove all the way home again tonight. Now the Cocteau Twins lullaby me to slumber. I will go to sleep with strains of Rio Mysticos sliding around in my head.
And dream of the next time I will get to celebrate with Del Castillo.
Take care of yourselves, my brothers. Spread the word to the world, but come home safe and sound.
Friday, July 23, 2004
heavy sigh
My lower lip quivers now and then.
My eyes tear up a bit, and a sniffle escapes.
The bad thing is, I can't tell if is happiness or sadness...probably a mixture of both.
The tour dates are up, and I am happy for them. Del Castillo that is. I knew, as did all the longtime fans, that this would, had to, come. Something like this just shouldn't be kept a secret.
I worry what the world out there might do to the band and music I love so much. In that way, I am a little scared for them. I have seen what it can do. I feel they are stronger as a band and as people than many I have gotten to know and seen fall. I will have to leave that in the hands of the One I suppose.
Just don't forget to come home guys. Your family, all versions of it, will be waiting for you.
And we love you.
My eyes tear up a bit, and a sniffle escapes.
The bad thing is, I can't tell if is happiness or sadness...probably a mixture of both.
The tour dates are up, and I am happy for them. Del Castillo that is. I knew, as did all the longtime fans, that this would, had to, come. Something like this just shouldn't be kept a secret.
I worry what the world out there might do to the band and music I love so much. In that way, I am a little scared for them. I have seen what it can do. I feel they are stronger as a band and as people than many I have gotten to know and seen fall. I will have to leave that in the hands of the One I suppose.
Just don't forget to come home guys. Your family, all versions of it, will be waiting for you.
And we love you.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Oh, I am not going to do well.
It hasn't even truly started yet and I am finding myself a mopey mess. DC played a couple of private gigs this last weekend, and there has been some vague talk about one of the gigs on the message board. It was all I could do to not get mean about it and accuse the guy of bragging about being there. How am I going to behave when they are out there playing for the world?!
Yipes. I scare myself.
I must really agree with one gal on the board though- Antone's on the 16th was amazing.
I counted them up recently, and I have been to over a dozen gigs by this band in less than six months. This last one was astounding. There was just some fire in them that was new, different, inspired. Everyone in that band stretched out and found new places to go with music they have played over and over for two years now. I was worn out more than usual, and yet so wired I couldn't sleep until I had been home (an hour and a half away) for at least two hours.
Toumai did so well that night too. I cannot give them enough praise. Those fellows have got a good long road ahead of them. Should you get the chance, go see them. I would be stumbling all over myself trying to figure out who to talk about in the band first. I am a bassist, so of course I notice Dave: a Jaco student, like myself.
Drummer Leroy is an amazing innovator who goes beyond mere drumming. I told him I would put him in the same class as, first, Mike Zeoli, and second, Bill Bruford. He's that good.
Greg....cannot begin to tell you the soul this guy has got. It all djust seems to flow for him. Hearing is believing, trust me.
And Gabe. Strong voice, great delivery and growing as the front guy quickly. It is no fun being up front and having to represent the whole band with only a mike in front of you. He was nervous the first time I saw them, but is turning into an excellent showman.
On the whole Toumai is worth the time to go catch. I am working to get them to San Antonio, and hope to hear of them playing more anywhere they can. Much much potential there.
It's really late, yet again, and I was late to work this morning as is. Laters!
Yipes. I scare myself.
I must really agree with one gal on the board though- Antone's on the 16th was amazing.
I counted them up recently, and I have been to over a dozen gigs by this band in less than six months. This last one was astounding. There was just some fire in them that was new, different, inspired. Everyone in that band stretched out and found new places to go with music they have played over and over for two years now. I was worn out more than usual, and yet so wired I couldn't sleep until I had been home (an hour and a half away) for at least two hours.
Toumai did so well that night too. I cannot give them enough praise. Those fellows have got a good long road ahead of them. Should you get the chance, go see them. I would be stumbling all over myself trying to figure out who to talk about in the band first. I am a bassist, so of course I notice Dave: a Jaco student, like myself.
Drummer Leroy is an amazing innovator who goes beyond mere drumming. I told him I would put him in the same class as, first, Mike Zeoli, and second, Bill Bruford. He's that good.
Greg....cannot begin to tell you the soul this guy has got. It all djust seems to flow for him. Hearing is believing, trust me.
And Gabe. Strong voice, great delivery and growing as the front guy quickly. It is no fun being up front and having to represent the whole band with only a mike in front of you. He was nervous the first time I saw them, but is turning into an excellent showman.
On the whole Toumai is worth the time to go catch. I am working to get them to San Antonio, and hope to hear of them playing more anywhere they can. Much much potential there.
It's really late, yet again, and I was late to work this morning as is. Laters!
Saturday, July 17, 2004
Del Castillo Live
You can watch the DVD. You can listen to the CDs all you want. There is nothing like seeing these guys live. Just saw them again last evening in Austin, and it was brought home in full force to me.
I have it from a good source that Del Castillo will finally hit the road next month. I do not know yet with whom, or where they will be going precisely; it's all being kept hush-hush for some reason, probably until things are finalized. Keep an eye on their websight. I am certain it will be put out there as soon as they know for sure. And do NOT miss them. Those who have not had the blessing of sharing time with these guys are in for a treat.
(Oh yeah. I took the sideways shots off my site, because I have opened up that online webshots thing. More space for writing now.)
I have it from a good source that Del Castillo will finally hit the road next month. I do not know yet with whom, or where they will be going precisely; it's all being kept hush-hush for some reason, probably until things are finalized. Keep an eye on their websight. I am certain it will be put out there as soon as they know for sure. And do NOT miss them. Those who have not had the blessing of sharing time with these guys are in for a treat.
(Oh yeah. I took the sideways shots off my site, because I have opened up that online webshots thing. More space for writing now.)
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Del castillo picture albums finally on line
Well, I got frustrated and quit trying to put the photos up. Then someone on DC's message board posted a link to their photos from the 4th in Ft Worth on Webshots.
To make a long story short, I went to bed only after figuring out FINALLY how to get them off my PC onto the site in such a way that anyone looking at them won't come up with a neck problem. I haven't gotten them all up yet, but there is a start there.
I will verify the address (still kinda new at this sort of stuff. I usually just work offline) and will put the link here.
Hope you enjoy. And someone tell Rick to keep the beard- it looks good on him!
*********************************************
http://community.webshots.com/user/jazzpjd
To make a long story short, I went to bed only after figuring out FINALLY how to get them off my PC onto the site in such a way that anyone looking at them won't come up with a neck problem. I haven't gotten them all up yet, but there is a start there.
I will verify the address (still kinda new at this sort of stuff. I usually just work offline) and will put the link here.
Hope you enjoy. And someone tell Rick to keep the beard- it looks good on him!
*********************************************
http://community.webshots.com/user/jazzpjd
Friday, July 09, 2004
So proud!
Heehee!
I am so tickled for these guys. They are getting more exposure tonight, in the form of being on a BBC program on public radio. Chances are not good for my hearing it, but once again, I will be there in spirit. I do not know if this gig is a live feed, a recorded something or what, but it is further flaunting for the band. Fluff those feathers up, guys!
I have been too busy to think about it, but with another show looming on the horizon, I find myself getting a little antsy. It will be nearly a month between shows for me. i have to wonder how I will act when it has been a couple! more later -busy weekend with my son-in-law's band, Brotherhood. (heavy metal- pass the earplugs please!)
;)
*****************************************************************
Thanks to the band's manager and website, I did get to hear the
interview. Not nearly long enough for those of us who know them, but a good piece to peak interest in new comers. Fun too.
and, Alex, you and I need to talk.
I am so tickled for these guys. They are getting more exposure tonight, in the form of being on a BBC program on public radio. Chances are not good for my hearing it, but once again, I will be there in spirit. I do not know if this gig is a live feed, a recorded something or what, but it is further flaunting for the band. Fluff those feathers up, guys!
I have been too busy to think about it, but with another show looming on the horizon, I find myself getting a little antsy. It will be nearly a month between shows for me. i have to wonder how I will act when it has been a couple! more later -busy weekend with my son-in-law's band, Brotherhood. (heavy metal- pass the earplugs please!)
;)
*****************************************************************
Thanks to the band's manager and website, I did get to hear the
interview. Not nearly long enough for those of us who know them, but a good piece to peak interest in new comers. Fun too.
and, Alex, you and I need to talk.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Way to go John Kay!
For those who do not know , John Kay, founder,lead singer, and main songwriter for Steppenwolf, turned down what was probably a lot of money. He said no to that ugly-ass spoiled brat on some show called The Simple Life(?) I do not watch that kind of crap, hell, don't watch much TV at all, but I heard about this on the news. She is apparently one of those females who takes that arrogant BS on the L'Oreal ads ("and I'm worth it")way too seriously. She had contacted Mr. Kay about using the classic rock anthem "Born To Be Wild" as her personal tune on the show, and HE TURNED HER DOWN!!!!
Said there were just some things a person should not do. Yee Ha! Way to go buddy boy. NEVER let anyone exploit your music to such an extent that you have trouble looking yourself in the mirror. Anything that special to most of your fans should be shown respect by the one who made it. Any artist can tell you, sometimes the thing you create outgrows you and becomes something more. It is wise to listen carefully and honour those who have helped be more than it started out as.
A serious round of applause for Mr. John Kay!
Said there were just some things a person should not do. Yee Ha! Way to go buddy boy. NEVER let anyone exploit your music to such an extent that you have trouble looking yourself in the mirror. Anything that special to most of your fans should be shown respect by the one who made it. Any artist can tell you, sometimes the thing you create outgrows you and becomes something more. It is wise to listen carefully and honour those who have helped be more than it started out as.
A serious round of applause for Mr. John Kay!
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
a link
www.exoticindiaart.com/article/music
A pretty good assessment of why music is such an intrigal part of us as a species.
A pretty good assessment of why music is such an intrigal part of us as a species.
Sunday, July 04, 2004
Saturday, July 03, 2004
Happy 4th
Well, for most anyway. I personally am a bit mopey. I will not be in Fort Worth tomorrow to be with DC as they storm the Willie Nelson 4th of July party. For those who don't know about this event, Willie Nelson is a long time Texas son who has made a fairly regular habit of holding a party on the 4th somewhere in the state. It used to be in small places like Luckenbach (pop. 25 at the best of times), but over the years it has grown to be too big for many of the spots he used to put it together. And it used to be exclusively country music, which it no longer is. It IS, however, still TEXAS music. It is always held outdoors, so there can be a fireworks display at the end of the night, and that is the main reason I will not be there. Texas sucks big time in the summer. Temps in Ft Worth are not supposed to be too bad, but combined with the recent rains will feel like over 97 degrees Farenheit. Not exactly egg frying time, but too damned close for this little hothouse flower. I have learned my limitations in this state the hard way. Even using 45 SPF sunblock, hats, parasols, drinking enough water to fill the Rio Grande, and finding or making shade when I can isn't enough. Heat prostration is not fun, people.
So I will mope, and play the DVD at the right time, and hang out with some friends in some air conditioned building somewhere. Ironically, my buddy Casey has been called by a friend in Killeen who wants to meet in Austin for the day. I suppose it is some sort of switch off the gods find funny.....
I guess I will be okay. It's only another week or so til I can get to see them again. But pardon me if I go off now to suck my thumb and do another shot of vodka. It has taken everything I have to not leave for Ft Worth tonight. Including getting legally drunk.
I think this may qualify me as truly nuts....about this band anyway.
And any of you folks who want to come to this State o' Texas, don't do it in the summer. Too many tourists do not heed the warnings about the heat, and we really prefer to leave you with a positive picture of the place.
I hope someone thinks to cheer for me a little tomorrow.
And get better soon Willie.
Texas will not know what to do without you.
**********************%#@^&(!!
Just as well I didn't try to drive to Ft Worth. Had majour car trouble on the way back from Austin. I would have ended up not making it there or back or such and it just would not have been the right ending. It isn't particularly good now, but I am at least less disappointed than if I had gotten half way there and still missed it.....
So I will mope, and play the DVD at the right time, and hang out with some friends in some air conditioned building somewhere. Ironically, my buddy Casey has been called by a friend in Killeen who wants to meet in Austin for the day. I suppose it is some sort of switch off the gods find funny.....
I guess I will be okay. It's only another week or so til I can get to see them again. But pardon me if I go off now to suck my thumb and do another shot of vodka. It has taken everything I have to not leave for Ft Worth tonight. Including getting legally drunk.
I think this may qualify me as truly nuts....about this band anyway.
And any of you folks who want to come to this State o' Texas, don't do it in the summer. Too many tourists do not heed the warnings about the heat, and we really prefer to leave you with a positive picture of the place.
I hope someone thinks to cheer for me a little tomorrow.
And get better soon Willie.
Texas will not know what to do without you.
**********************%#@^&(!!
Just as well I didn't try to drive to Ft Worth. Had majour car trouble on the way back from Austin. I would have ended up not making it there or back or such and it just would not have been the right ending. It isn't particularly good now, but I am at least less disappointed than if I had gotten half way there and still missed it.....
Friday, July 02, 2004
Here's the glyph I wrote about before.
*********************************************************
I mentioned that this was formed the night DC played at Stubb's back in May. It is triskleon, a symbol of the Trinity, be it pagan or christian, or anything else. Faith, hope and charity. Maiden, mother, crone. Father, son, spirit. Take it for what you will. I just think it's beautiful.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
World Music
Just been gathering my thoughts of late.
This particular form of music is actually very vague. It seems to me that anything that can't be labeled under some specific is dumped here, which is unfair. I listen to several bands who are called jazz or world music, depending on who you talk to. Shahin & Sepehr is one such duo; they are Iranian-American and incorporate a lot of traditional instruments into their music. Much of the time, I would call what they do light jazz. It is rare to hear anything in their music that would separate them from such bands as Spyro Gyra (except maybe the lack of horns.) I would like to see either labels being better defined, or better still, eliminated. As one who worked in a record store for many years, I believe there is too much emphasis put on separating certain music. Of course, I would be upsetting the status quo; people just don't take well to abrupt changes in their environment, and as my age group is quickly getting up there, they are bound to get pickier still. (!)Heaven knows what some would do if they had to look through Mozart to find Motorhead. I was myself rather offended by that smelly leather covered album they put out in the early '80s. (Leave it to Lemmy....)
Not to get too far from the subject I started this thing for, I have seen Del Castillo put in Latin, jazz, and popular ( another dump bin for unclassifiables.) I am personally a little tickled to see them cross over in that way, but often wonder if they get a fair shake when multi-categorized that way. Someone new comes looking for them, looks and looks and might leave if s/he has no success. Many folks don't like looking foolish not knowing where to find a particular artist.
Anyway, I vote for getting rid of yet another barrier between people! Free the music!
(Okay, I'll lay off the coffee....)
This particular form of music is actually very vague. It seems to me that anything that can't be labeled under some specific is dumped here, which is unfair. I listen to several bands who are called jazz or world music, depending on who you talk to. Shahin & Sepehr is one such duo; they are Iranian-American and incorporate a lot of traditional instruments into their music. Much of the time, I would call what they do light jazz. It is rare to hear anything in their music that would separate them from such bands as Spyro Gyra (except maybe the lack of horns.) I would like to see either labels being better defined, or better still, eliminated. As one who worked in a record store for many years, I believe there is too much emphasis put on separating certain music. Of course, I would be upsetting the status quo; people just don't take well to abrupt changes in their environment, and as my age group is quickly getting up there, they are bound to get pickier still. (!)Heaven knows what some would do if they had to look through Mozart to find Motorhead. I was myself rather offended by that smelly leather covered album they put out in the early '80s. (Leave it to Lemmy....)
Not to get too far from the subject I started this thing for, I have seen Del Castillo put in Latin, jazz, and popular ( another dump bin for unclassifiables.) I am personally a little tickled to see them cross over in that way, but often wonder if they get a fair shake when multi-categorized that way. Someone new comes looking for them, looks and looks and might leave if s/he has no success. Many folks don't like looking foolish not knowing where to find a particular artist.
Anyway, I vote for getting rid of yet another barrier between people! Free the music!
(Okay, I'll lay off the coffee....)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
